Governor Pat McCrory discusses economic development issues with NAIOP members from Charlotte, the Triad and the Triangle

REBIC joined members of the Charlotte Chapter of NAIOP in Raleigh on March 26 for the commercial development association’s annual Day at the Capitol, and participated in a highly successful day of advocacy that included meetings with the Governor and key members of the General Assembly.

Tax and Regulatory Reform were at the forefront of a legislative agenda aimed at making North Carolina more competitive with neighboring states in attracting and retaining economic development and growth. In meetings with Governor Pat McCrory, House Speaker Thom Tillis, Senate President Pro-Tem Phil Berger and members of the Mecklenburg County legislative delegation, NAIOP members advocated for a wide range issues impacting the commercial real estate industry, including:

Tax Reform that lowers personal and corporate rates while broadening the sales tax base, without imposing inequitable business license and conveyance fees on real estate companies;

Regulatory Reform legislation that includes the periodic review of all state agency rules and the repeal of outdated and unnecessary regulation;

Legislation to rein in local governments that are exceeding their statutory authority; and,

Expedited environmental permitting and improved customer service at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

House Speaker Thom Tillis meets with REBIC Executive Director Joe Padilla and NAIOP North Carolina members in Raleigh

The delegation expressed particular concern with a legislative proposals to expand the state’s franchise tax and apply it to limited liability corporations (LLCs) that have purchased land yet to be developed and thus not producing an income. Understanding that this would discourage investment in commercial development, there was a willingness on the part of state leaders to discuss this further and hear more from commercial real estate on potential solutions to address this concern.

NAIOP’s 2013 Day at the Capitol was a tremendous success, and gave members the unique opportunity to participate in direct conversations with North Carolina leaders on efforts to improve our state’s business climate. If you’re a NAIOP member and haven’t yet attended our annual meetings in Raleigh, make a point to join us in 2014!